Well, the 2011 Oscars are over and can we say we are a bit… underwhelmed? It all sounded so promising – less boring “filler” segments, two hip, hot young hosts to bring in a younger audience and so on. But somewhere along the way (in say, the first 5 minutes) it started going wrong and didn’t get a whole lot better. What was memorable for us? In a sea of actresses sporting red dresses, white came off as just right. We love ourselves a white moment at Layla Grayce, especially glam paired with gold which is so fitting for Hollywood’s biggest night. So plop yourself into our imagined white and gold interior and let us know:

AND THE $100 LG GIFT CERTIFICATE GOES TO

If you made it through this year’s Oscars, you deserve some type of reward! Leave a comment below or on our Facebook page telling us your choice for who should host next year’s Oscar ceremony. Enter by Wednesday, 3/2 at 11:59pm EST and we’ll announce the winner Thursday.

Everywhere in home furnishings are aged, neutral finishes; furnishings and accessories in muted tones of cream, flax and gray that combine European elegance with something a bit more rustic and well-traveled. Aidan Gray is a master at this look, and updates it this season with typography accents that are completely on trend but still timelessly sophisticated. Take the look on the road by mixing these same colors in one outfit and adding accessories that look like you found them on a trip to a faraway land.

Once the bane of every new home buyer’s existence, wallpaper is coming back with a vengeance and a fierce new style. Nothing like Grandma’s wallpaper, the latest incarnation features oversize, large scaled graphics on solid color grounds, chic geometrics and lavishly detailed patterns in color ways both subtle and striking. For one accent wall or for wrapping a room, we’re excited to bring you a selection of some of the most interesting styles we’ve found. Shop wallpaper at Layla Grayce >

Confession time – when it comes to Waxing Poetic’s new collection of charms and jewelry, we just can’t stop at one. Like the most sinful, decadent collection of desserts, these lyrical charms call out to us, tempting us to want “just one more… I promise I’m going to stop at this next one”. But really, why hold back on something this good? Mix together multiple charm styles, creating a story with a collection of favorites that have special significance to you. And while the necklaces have a place in every wardrobe, we’re loving the way the charms look suspended from their new bracelets. We hereby give you permission to indulge! Shop new additions from Waxing Poetic

AN EXCESS OF CHARM GIVEAWAYWe’re going to get one lucky winner started on building their charm collection by giving away $100 of Waxing Poetic products (winner’s choice!) First check out the new arrivals or the entire Waxing Poetic collection, then leave a comment below or on our Facebook page telling us your favorite. Or favorites? Personally we’re going with decadent excess, the more the better! Enter by Wednesday, 2/23 at 11:59pm EST and we’ll announce the winner Thursday.

Ah Rosanna, we have to thank you for consistently bringing us such a wide selection of fabulous dishware to tempt us with. Spring 2011 is no different, and to be honest we have no idea which makes us want to throw a party and entertain more. Maybe you can help us decide? Click on any of the images above to preview the collections or shop all the new Rosanna additions here.

Throw diet resolutions to the wind and live a little, because how could these ingredients come together and NOT be totally delish? They say everything is better with bacon, so why not try a savory version of bread pudding that could stand in for brunch, dinner or a side dish (how versatile!) But be forewarned, Lottie + Doof say that the leftovers are nowhere near as good as fresh baked, so do plan to clean the dish. We’re hopeful that the calorie burn from enthusiastic consumption count for something…

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°F with rack in middle. Butter a 2-qt shallow baking dish. Whisk together milk, cream, eggs, and 1/4 tsp each of salt and black pepper in a large bowl.

Cook bacon in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crisp. Transfer with tongs to paper towels to drain, then coarsely crumble.

Pour off all but 1 Tbsp fat from skillet. Increase heat to medium-high and cook shallot and garlic, stirring constantly, until golden, about 1 minute. Gradually add arugula and cook, stirring, until it wilts.

Stir arugula mixture, bacon, bread, and cheese into custard. Transfer to baking dish and cover with foil. Bake 30 minutes, then remove foil and bake until golden in spots, about 10 minutes more.

So it’s Valentine’s Day. Some lucky ladies have a decadent, romantic night out planned. Others (and we wish to remain nameless) will be chasing kids, cleaning messes and wondering who has time for cupid and true love. But a girl can dream, so we’re escaping reality with visions of a romantic getaway done your way. Which makes your heart skip a beat? European grandeur or the beauty of nature, the roar of the ocean or the sound of rustling bags from a day of shopping?

TAKE ME AWAY GIVEAWAY Cast your vote, and because it’s a day to celebrate amore, we’d love to give one lucky gal a new Petunia Pickle Bottom Weekender bag (so you’ll always be fashionably prepared for any getaway opportunity that comes your way). Leave a comment below or on our Facebook page, but be quick – this contest ends when Valentine’s Day is over 2/14 at 11:59pm EST.

Get crafty for the weekend with the kids, turning the idea of cut out snowflakes into something far more colorful (and of course perfect for Valentine’s Day). We love that it doesn’t take a lot of fancy materials or supplies – just some colored paper, scissors and some busy little hands. And fun as they are to work on with the children, we adore the idea of surprising the kids with a mom-made-love-mobile when they get home from school. Visit Pamela Smerker’s Party Starters blog for instructions.

Time to mix it up with a new collection of mid-century modern inspired furniture for kids from Stanley Young America! Elegant, clean lines with traces of Danish design combined with quality craftsmanship make this collection the perfect solution that can take your kids from tots to tweens, teens and beyond. It’s traditional with a little extra something, allowing you to get creative mixing finishes and colors to achieve the perfect look for your decor. Cribs convert to both a toddler and double size bed and are Greenguard certified, meeting the highest standards for quality, child safety and environmental protection. And while it gets high marks for style, Mix is also about function and practicality. Shop the new Stanley Young America Mix collection

We love when traditional textiles get a modern makeover – blending ancient craft with contemporary sensibility. It’s a look that catches the eye, and this year ikat is turning heads in both home decor and fashion. Rendered in updated bold, bright colors and showing up in unexpected places, we’re smitten by the juxtaposition of ikat pillows and textiles popping up in all decor styles ranging from modern to eclectic. Mind, we’re not advocating a room or wardrobe full of ikat (there’s something to be said for too much of a good thing), but as a fashionable accent to update your look for the season? Inspired!